IMS Forum Completes Plugfest 4, Gears up for NGN Plugfest 5

The IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) and the NGN (Next Generation Networks) Forums announced the completion of interoperability testing at the IMS Forum Plugfest 4 and plans for the NGN Plugfest 5.


The IMS Forum's Plugfest 4, held at the University of New Hampshire InterOperability Lab (UNH-IOL) Feb 25 - 29, tested a number of leading technologies and services for interoperability, including triple play, VoIP, FMC from multiple vendors, test and measurement equipments, SIP, class-5 features (voicemail, etc), Diameter IMS stacks, and instant messaging with presence support. Plugfest 4 was the first successful IMS call between mobile UE (user equipment) devices and core network elements P-CSCF servers, S-CSCF, and HSS, all from separate vendors.


Plugfest 4 was expanded to include billing interfaces for charging for IMS services. Tests included an IMS-compliant charging/billing system working with multiple network configurations, as well as interoperability of operational support systems and business support systems (OSS/BSS). This is a major milestone since the charging/billing systems are a major component for network operators to deploy IMS.


More than 15 companies participated in IMS Plugfest 4, including Intel as a platinum sponsor, HP, Amdocs, Acision, Alpha Networks, Aricent, Data Connection Ltd., Empirix, Mavenir Systems, Mu Security, NextPoint Networks, Radvision, Shenick Network Systems, Sonus Networks, Starent Networks, Tekelec, and UNH-IOL. PulverMedia and IMS Magazine served as media sponsors.


Plugfest 5, scheduled for June 2008 at UNH-IOL, will test consumer and enterprise M-play interoperability.http://www.IMSForum.orghttp://www.iol.unh.edu